Special Services may be added to many classes of domestic and international mail for an additional fee. These provide tracking, insurance, and verify that delivery was made.

Registered Mail...

Provides a level of security for valuable items such as stocks, bonds, gems, currency, and tickets. All items sent via Registered Mail must meet minimum packaging specifications. Registered Mail requires a signature at each postal location. While this provides an audit trail, it also delays delivery. Each piece of Registered Mail must have a declared value, even a $0 amount. Registered fees are based on the declared value with fees starting at $7.90 plus First-Class postage and increase by approximately $.90 per $1,000 of declared value. Domestic declared values are limited to $25,000. Domestic Registered Mail and International Registered Mail use different forms.

Certified Mail...

Is a service that provides a level of security on non-valuable items. Items generally sent Certified Mail include notices, important letters, legal documents, and non-negotiable items. Items sent Certified Mail must have a receipt for Certified Mail form completed and attached to the mail piece. Mail Services recommends the use of a return receipt with all Certified Mail. Certified Mail is only available to domestic addresses. The cost is $2.40 plus normal postage.

Insured Mail...

Provides insurance for replacement or repair on damaged, rifled, or lost articles. The fee is dependent upon the declared value. Insurance is used for parcels or merchandise that are shipped at the Parcel Post Rate. Limits are $5,000 for domestic mail. Mail Services recommends the use of a return receipt. Cost is approximately $1.05 per $100 of declared value, plus normal postage.

Return Receipt...

Is a form used to verify delivery where a receipt is signed and returned to you. The return receipt then serves as legal proof of delivery. Return receipts should be used on all Registered, Certified, and Insured Mail articles. There are two different return receipt forms -one used for Domestic Return Receipt the other for international return receipt mail. Use of a return receipt avoids additional tracing fees. The return receipt fee is $1.85 plus normal postage